college Archives

Tech Optimizer

February 26, 2026

Avast Antivirus Just Got Smarter: Is It Finally Worth Your Money?

Avast Antivirus has introduced advanced AI tools, enhanced browser protection, and new privacy features in the U.S. market. It offers real-time malware protection, phishing shields, and Wi-Fi scanning. Avast's product lineup includes a free version, a premium security plan, and Avast One, catering to different user needs. Independent lab tests show Avast ranks highly in malware blocking, competing with brands like Bitdefender and Kaspersky. However, users should be cautious of upselling practices and data collection concerns. The free version provides strong protection, while paid plans offer additional features like VPN and advanced ransomware protection. Avast is accessible on various platforms, and pricing fluctuates due to promotions. Users are advised to assess their needs and be mindful of renewal rates before subscribing.

AppWizard

February 25, 2026

Wary of strangers recording you? This app warns you when smart glasses are nearby

A new Android application called Nearby Glasses, developed by Yves Jeanrenaud, alerts users when smart glasses are nearby by scanning for specific Bluetooth signatures. It is available on the Google Play Store and GitHub, functioning by identifying Bluetooth advertising frames from brands like Meta and Luxottica Group S.p.A. The app aims to address privacy concerns associated with smart glasses, particularly in light of reports about facial recognition technology being integrated into these devices. Jeanrenaud created the app to provide a countermeasure to surveillance technology, though he warns it may generate false positives with other devices that emit similar signals. The market for smart glasses is expanding, with companies like Google, Samsung, and Apple expected to enter the market.

AppWizard

February 24, 2026

GoLocalProv | Sports | PC Basketball Game Rescheduled

Providence College has rescheduled its men's basketball game against Xavier University to Wednesday, February 25, at 7:30 p.m. due to a blizzard. Rhode Island state roads are closed, and many streets in Providence are not cleared. Tickets purchased for the original date will still be valid for the rescheduled game. Tickets can be secured at Friars.com or by calling 401-865-GO PC.

AppWizard

February 23, 2026

GoLocalProv | Sports | #7 PC Hockey Stays Hot, Sweeping the Vermont Catamounts

The Providence College Hockey Friars swept the Vermont Catamounts with scores of 5-2 and 5-3, achieving their 20th and 21st wins of the season. Coach Nate Leaman reached his ninth season with twenty or more wins. The Friars now lead the Hockey East standings with 48 points. In the first game, the Friars scored two goals after an early Vermont goal, with Tanner Adams sealing the victory with an empty-net goal. In the second game, Hudson Malinoski scored two goals and completed a hat trick, while the Friars' goalie, Parsons, made 24 saves. The Friars have a 12-3-1 record in away games this season, and Parsons has a record of 12-2-1 with a 2.09 goals against average and a .920 save percentage. The Friars will play the University of New Hampshire next weekend and their last regular-season game is scheduled for March 7th against UConn. Boston College recently defeated UConn 2-1 in front of a large crowd, and there is interest in hosting a PC-BC matchup at the AMP.

Winsage

February 19, 2026

From Marquette to Microsoft: This alumnus leads global communications for over a billion Microsoft devices

A representative from Marquette University visited University of Detroit Jesuit High School during Chris Morrissey’s junior year, shortly after Marquette’s men’s basketball team won the national championship in 1977. Morrissey decided to attend Marquette, influenced by friends with siblings enrolled there. He has had a diverse career, moving from the automotive sector to chemicals, and is currently the senior director of communications for Windows and devices at Microsoft. Morrissey worked the midnight shift at the downtown Hilton during college, which allowed him to complete homework and read major newspapers. His interest in technology began at Chrysler, where he embraced new PCs while others were hesitant. At Microsoft, he manages a team that handles communications for Windows device updates and features, emphasizing the global impact of their work. Recently, his team addressed a crisis involving a cybersecurity issue affecting Windows devices, focusing on customer support. Morrissey credits his Marquette education with teaching him to prioritize others in crisis situations. He has also become involved in community service in Seattle, volunteering at food banks and serving on the board of North Helpline. As a father and grandfather, he values the growth mindset he sees in his children.

Tech Optimizer

February 19, 2026

Avast Antivirus in 2026: Still Worth Paying For on Windows and Mac?

Ransomware is evolving, and many users in the United States continue to invest in Avast Antivirus as of 2026. Avast, now part of Gen Digital, has shifted from a traditional free antivirus to a comprehensive consumer security suite, which includes three tiers: Avast Free Antivirus, Avast Premium Security, and Avast One. The product lineup features a core antivirus engine, ransomware and phishing protection, a firewall, Wi-Fi inspector, built-in VPN, and performance cleanup tools. Avast's core antivirus engine provides real-time file scanning and web/email shields, consistently ranking high in independent lab tests for malware protection. The ransomware shield protects sensitive folders from unauthorized encryption, while the firewall and Wi-Fi inspector are available in paid tiers. The built-in VPN is designed for safer public Wi-Fi use, and performance tools aim to optimize system efficiency. Pricing for Avast products in the US varies, with a free tier supported by upsell prompts for premium features, Premium Security typically offered as an annual subscription, and Avast One marketed as a higher-value bundle. Renewal pricing often increases significantly after the first year, leading to user complaints. Microsoft Defender is now effective enough that many experts believe average users may not need third-party antivirus software, but Avast justifies its subscription by offering stronger web protection, more control over app permissions, and additional non-security features. User feedback highlights strong protection but frequent upsell prompts, performance issues on low-end machines, and concerns over past data collection practices. Avast is seen as valuable for households with mixed tech literacy, remote workers, students on older hardware, and users seeking basic privacy protections.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Xbox has announced the rest of February’s Game Pass titles, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2

Microsoft is adding eight new titles to Game Pass in February, including Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, Aerial_Knight’s DropShot, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Avowed, Death Howl, EA Sports College Football 26, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition, TCG Card Shop Simulator, Dice A Million, Towerborne, Final Fantasy III, and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. Several titles will leave Game Pass on February 28, including Monster Train, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Injustice 2, and Middle Earth: Shadow of War.

AppWizard

February 18, 2026

Here’s the next batch of Xbox Game Pass games for February

Microsoft is adding several new titles to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service in February and early March. The upcoming titles include: - Aerial_Knight's DropShot (Available February 17th) - Death Howl (Launching February 19th) - EA Sports College Football 26 (Arriving February 19th) - The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Complete Edition (Available February 19th) - TCG Card Shop Simulator (Launching February 24th) - Dice A Million (Coming February 25th) - Towerborne (Available February 26th) - Final Fantasy 3 (Arriving March 3rd) - Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 (Launching March 3rd) Notable games leaving the service on February 28th include: - Monster Train - Expeditions: A MudRunner Game - Injustice 2 - Middle Earth: Shadow of War

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

Kingdom Come Deliverance II & The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Heading to Xbox Game Pass

Aerial_Knight's DropShot, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and Avowed are available today on February 17 through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Death Howl and EA Sports College Football 26 are coming soon on February 19, along with The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition. TCG Card Shop Simulator is in Game Preview and will be available on February 24, followed by Dice A Million on February 25 and Towerborne on February 26. Final Fantasy III and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II will be released on March 3. Menace and Diablo II: Resurrected were released on February 5 and February 11, respectively, while High on Life 2 was released on February 13. Overwatch: Season 1: Conquest launched on February 10, introducing new Heroes and events. Microsoft Mahjong will have in-game benefits on February 24. Titles leaving Game Pass on February 28 include Monster Train, Expeditions: A MudRunner Game, Injustice 2, and Middle Earth: Shadow of War.

AppWizard

February 17, 2026

Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 and The Witcher 3 are coming to Game Pass

Xbox has added several titles to its Game Pass lineup for February, including: - Available Now: - Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass across multiple platforms. - Avowed in the Game Pass Premium library. - Aerial_Knight’s DropShot, a single-player skydiving first-person shooter. - Upcoming Releases: - On February 24: TCG Card Shop Simulator in Game Preview. - On February 25: Dice A Million, a roguelike deckbuilder. - On February 26: Towerborne, a co-op action RPG transitioning from game preview and early access. - Notable Titles Coming on March 3: - Final Fantasy III and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, which received multiple nominations at The Game Awards.